Where am I again?
Region: Northern Thailand> Province: Chiang Rai>Location: Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai sights and attractions

Hilltribe museum and education centre - A handy trekking primer

620/25 Thanalai Rd (3rd floor)
crpda@hotmail.com


Description
The Hill Tribe Museum is funded by Meechai's PDA and serves as a handy primer for anyone considering heading trekking from Chiang Rai. The museum includes a brief overview and photographic display covering some of the hilltribes you are more likely to visit. There is also a lengthy opium exhibit including opium weights and other titbits. A slideshow is available upon request. You may have to wake up the attendant in order to pay your admission (which includes a complimentary drink at the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant on the ground floor).

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 Sat & Sun 10:00-18:00

Wat Phra Kaew - The real thing is in Bangkok

Trairat Rd, Chiang Rai

Description
This is the most highly revered wat in Chiang Rai. Legend has it that in 1434 the stupa was struck by lightning and fell apart revealing the Emerald Buddha. From that moment on, the statue went travelling, visiting Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ayutthaya, Lopburi. Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Lampang and Vientiane over a period of some 300+ years. Today it rests in Bangkok in the temple of the same name. An almost but not exact replica was made from Canadian jade in celebration of the Queen Mother's 90th birthday and it is now housed on site. With its lush gardens and large stands of bamboo (it was once known at the Bamboo Forest monastery), Wat Phra Kaew has peaceful grounds and at the base of the enclosure that holds the jade replica there is a pond which is home to massive turtles.

Wat Phra Singh - A fine example of Lan-na architecture

Singhaclai Road, Chiang Rai

Description
Constructed in 1385, this wat is regarded as a fine example of Lan-na style architecture. Note the twin sets of peacocks that flank the bot entrance and the white bunnies straight out of Alice in Wonderland at the back of the compound enranceway along with the tree which has a Buddha for each day of the week standing around it. The wat once contained the Phra Phutthasihing, an important Theravada Buddha image, but it is now stored at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh is located in the centre of Chiang Rai on Singhaclai Road.